Dunelm sales and profits rise in Browett’s first year

Dunelm’s like-for-likes rose 1% in the 52 weeks to July 2 while profit before tax increased 6.2% to £128.9m. Total revenues grew 7.1% to £880.9m.

Dunelm, which is working towards a click-and-collect proposition, saw its home delivery sales grow 23%. They now account for 7% of total sales, up from 6.1% last year.

Dunelm opened six new stores in the year, including two relocations, and now has 152 stores.

It also opened a new warehouse in Stoke, doubling capacity and improved productivity in stores to help drive sales and mitigate the cost of the National Living Wage.

Browett said: “My first year as chief executive has been extremely busy and we’re working hard on initiatives across the business. Not least, we are investing in our stores to make them much easier to shop, while making sure our vast range of product maintains the value-for-money proposition which lies at the very heart of the Dunelm offer.

“We continue to outperform the homewares market, and despite potential challenges to the economy over the coming months and the dampening effect on footfall of recent hot weather, we believe that Dunelm’s competitive position can come into its own, and are confident of continuing to deliver our growth ambitions.”